Home pressotherapy for the treatment of patients with phlebo-lymphological pathologies
Fabrizio Gervasoni, Cinzia Cavone, Antonella Lo Mauro, Vincenzo Ricci, Arnaldo Andreoli
Home-based sequential pressotherapy is a recognized therapeutic intervention for treating phlebolymphatic disorders such as lymphedema, phlebolymphedema, and lipedema. Based on the Italian Ministry of Health guidelines, this approach is an integral part of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP), which is considered the gold standard in lymphedema management. Sequential pressotherapy, performed using certified medical devices, provides intermittent external compression, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing limb volume. Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in maintaining therapeutic outcomes achieved during intensive outpatient treatment and improving patients' quality of life. The treatment requires a personalized approach based on medical evaluation, including ultrasonographic assessment, particularly in cases of tissue fibrosis. This article examines the clinical use of home-based sequential pressotherapy, providing insights into its application, benefits, limitations, and contraindications with the goal of optimizing lymphedema management at home.